National parks in Utah

Utah's National Park Service units are a concentrated collection of canyon and plateau landscapes. Five national parks anchor the region: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. These parks, known as the Mighty Five, are carved from the Colorado Plateau and each has its own character. They receive most of the visitor attention. Cedar Breaks National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offer quieter experiences. Dinosaur National Monument sits on the Utah-Colorado border in the northeast. It features a paleontological dimension distinct from the region's erosion-sculpted scenery. Across most units, dark skies are a real asset. Stargazing is highly rated throughout the area. Visitors should be comfortable with walking, heat, and dry conditions. A genuine interest in deep geological time will enhance a visit to Utah's parks.